Information and A Plan

Jp with mdman and Cindy

Once the Odsier chief had left, the Sister said, "Tell Ch'Truta I will see him now." More directed Aguzul, in case the man had to be found.

Ch’Truta was by the door of Islana’s tent. He was vigilant to remain to guard the chosen one. The one to whom the spirits had led him.

When he entered, Ch’Truta was impressed with her strength. Certainly, this was an attribute that the Sisters had admired as well. The endless meetings did not seem to drain her. Islana still appeared as fresh, as full of energy, and as beautiful as first awaking in the morning. Although not sleeping much, she was still clear in her thinking. This strength made Sister Locust even more attractive to Ch’Truta.

Kneeling with his head down, humbled by her presence, Ch’Truta spoke. “There is one in the Sand Horde encampment, whom we must watch. Her name is Silina of the Aroka. Those who are with her call her Pilgrim. Those who are with her declare that the Twins should have chosen Silina. She does nothing to dissuade the talk.”

He paused as a surge of justifiable anger arose within him. Anyone placing themselves against Islana…Sister Locust…against the one Ch’Truta has come to love, deserved death. In this, Ch’Truta was justified. He should have slain her there by the tree but didn’t wish to desecrate such a solemn place by her blood.

“At your command,” Ch’Truta continued after the brief silence, “I will end this threat.”

Sister Locust had wondered about Silina, if maybe she had some how joined the Horde without her knowledge. It was difficult to know everyone within a group as large as the Horde.

"I have met Silina before, while we were under going the trials." Islana did not seem overly surprised by this development. "After I was bestowed the mantle of Sister, I had been told that Silina refused the offer to join the temple. That she bring herself to follow me." Islana was a little tired of people not believing she was the one.

Quieting herself for a moment, the young woman tried to listen to the Sisters within her. They seemed to be in agreement that Silina needed to be gone, either by kicking her out of the Horde or death.

After a moment, Islana spoke up again, addressing Ch'Truta she asked. "Do you know how many are with Silina? How many believe she's the true leader?"

“I have seen as much as twenty around her at most times. I believe they consider themselves a guard in function,” Ch’Truta acknowledged. He sensed it was much greater than just the twenty. Anyone having a guard was considered a great importance.

“However, I have no doubt that all the Aroka would arise to her leadership. Also, in camp, the Hassane, the Lantuma, and the Acolytes of the Wandering always camp by her. They have been less vocal, but seem to be anticipating something from her.”

A division in the ranks would hurt their chances of victory. Ch’Truta wasn’t certain if his visions had taken a divide into account. Certainly, the spirits knew and see all things. Things that Ch’Truta in the physical cannot see. They knew the hearts of all. So, if Ch’Truta eliminated the threat, it would better their chances. He knelt before her, awaiting her command.

"That would make around 100, possibly a little more." Since arriving in Desdem, the Horde was estimated at about 5,000. Losing a 100 was a lot but they could afford it, if the ones following Silina didn't stay.

"I have said since the beginning, that I refuse to rule the Horde like a tyrant. That people should have the right to speak their minds. If I act towards her without knowing more, I will be going back on that." Islana paused, and that asked Ch'Truta. "Do you believe you can find out of Silina had anything to do with the attempt on my life?"